At CleanBlast, we are committed to promoting safe and effective abrasive blasting practices. One crucial message we need to share is that it’s never safe to use silica sand for abrasive blasting. Here’s why:

The Dangers of Silica Sand

Silica sand, commonly used in various industries for abrasive blasting, poses significant health risks. When silica sand is blasted, it fractures into fine particles that become airborne. Inhalation of these particles can lead to severe health issues, including:

Silicosis:

A chronic and often fatal lung disease caused by inhaling fine silica dust. The lung tissue reacts by developing fibrotic nodules and scarring around the trapped silica particles.
Lung Cancer: Crystalline silica is recognized worldwide as a class one carcinogen.
Other Respiratory Issues: Continuous exposure can cause chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and other respiratory conditions.
Even individuals who are not directly involved in blasting can be at risk. Workers inadvertently exposed to silica dust from contaminated clothes or nearby areas are also vulnerable.

Regulations and Recommendations

Due to these serious health risks, health organizations and regulatory bodies, such as the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), strongly advise against the use of silica sand in abrasive blasting. These regulations are designed to protect workers and nearby individuals from the devastating health effects of silica dust exposure. Non-compliance with these regulations can result in significant legal liabilities and financial penalties for companies.

Safer Alternatives

Fortunately, safer and more effective alternatives to silica sand are available for eco-friendly abrasive blasting. These materials provide excellent abrasive qualities without the associated health risks. Some of the recommended alternatives include:

Garnet: High-performance and environmentally friendly, offering superior cutting speed and low dust emissions.
Glass Beads
Aluminum Oxide
Steel Abrasives
Copper Slag
These alternatives ensure a safer working environment and often deliver superior performance, leading to better results and increased efficiency.

CleanBlast’s Commitment to Safety

At CleanBlast, we are dedicated to helping businesses transition to safer blasting materials. We offer a wide range of silica-free blasting materials designed to protect workers’ health and enhance blasting performance. Our Abrasive Selection Guide provides detailed information on all the safe abrasives available through CleanBlast.

By switching to these safer alternatives, companies can comply with health regulations, protect their workers, and achieve high-quality blasting outcomes. Our team is always ready to discuss and help you choose the most suitable abrasives for your specific project needs.

Call to Action

To learn more about the dangers of using silica sand for abrasive blasting and to explore our range of safer alternatives, please visit our website at www.cleanblast.com. You can also contact us directly to discuss how we can help you transition to safer blasting materials.

Stay safe and remember: It’s never safe to blast with silica sand. Protect your health and your business with CleanBlast.